A few months ago I posted a thread to id this easy chair. I have been told that they were made in Denmark in the 50s. But yesterday I heard that they are American and designed by Terence Harold Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb. Can anyone confirm this or maybe give me further information? Thanks in advance.
Robsjohn-Gibbings - Stickley Museum
The Stickley Museum has not been able to find the chair within the Widdicomb archives. They told me that this does not mean it is not a Robsjohn-Gibbings/Widdicomb design.
The Widdicomb company was purchased in the later part of the 20th century by John Widdicomb Furniture Company, which, in turn, was purchased by the Stickley furniture company. The Stickley museum did not receive the entire catalog of Widdicomb furniture from the 20th century, only limited archival information. Therefore, they were not able to verify or deny the source for my chairs. They did find chairs of similar design and with the same type of pin keys. I asked them some pictures of the similar chairs with pin keys, but unfortunately they did not send me any.
The museum referred to the Grand Rapids Public Library or the Grand Rapids Museum of Art, both in Widdicomb's hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have a more substantial record of the company and its products.
I mailed both, the Library could not find my chairs in their catalog. Regretfully the Grand Rapid Museum of Art did not answer my e-mails. And then suddenly I received copies of the magazine (Beter Homes 1957) from a design dealer with my chairs.
Widdicomb
Thanks for all your help. Unfortunately I do not know this Widdicomb Modern Originals line. In fact until a few months ago I did not know much about Robsjohn-Gibbings. Only when I received the two chairs I started looking and searching, quite exciting. Could it be possbile that my chairs are the Modern line? Best, Joger
Hello,
The chairs are beautiful! Do you have more photos to share? Is it possible to see closer details on how the arms are attached, the back and underneath construction of the chair? Are they for sale? Have you seen anymore of the same chair? What city and country did you find them?
Many thanks!
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